R.K. Richardson’s Top 10 Best Practices For Delivering A Speech #7

Best Practice Number 7 – [aka To See or Not To See, That Is the Question]

Well we’ve come to the point in this series where I have to tackle the highly debated subject of using visual aids. It really is a touchy matter among some of the public speakers I know. On the one side you have the school of thought that says your speech should be so captivating and interesting that visual aids aren’t necessary.

On the other side is the group that cites studies and statistics affirming that the human mind learns and grows at a faster pace when visual cues are used in conjunction with audible words. This process, they contend, is further elevated by using video because, well, video is just a whole bunch of pictures in sequence normally accompanied by an audio track.

So what are you, the cutting edge and well-informed public speaker to do?

Let me start to answer that question with a disclaimer: I’m one of those strange people (allowed to walk around freely) that believes both camps are right, wrong, and have a valid point to make.

Explanation:

I don’t have any reservations advising speakers and speech-givers to be exciting and engaging when they deliver their talks. In fact (like I illustrated earlier) it should be riveting to the point that the audience couldn’t take their eyes off of them even if a fire broke out in the same building. Of course I live in the real world where, let’s face it, not even the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders could keep someone’s undivided attention that long. In the perfect world giving the perfect speech by the most-perfect speaker, visual aids wouldn’t even be necessary. (Quantum physics might be the exception here!)

Now before you start jumping up and down and throwing tomatoes at me give me a moment to explain further…

Just because your talk is so spell-binding that the audience remains on the edge of their seats hanging on your every word doesn’t mean that a TASTEFUL or HELPFUL visual example or two wouldn’t help clarify or better yet, enhance their experience. The key words in the previous sentence are (pay attention please) TASTEFUL and HELPFUL.

So I want you to get n the habit of asking two simple questions when you come to a place in your talk when you think you need to insert a visual; [Actually think about it and then write your answers down on a sheet of paper (I use a journal and you should too - more about that on another day).]

(1) In what way(s) will this help my audience understand my point better?

(2) Is this the best way to illustrate my point or is there another way that would give a better overall audience realization or comprehension?

You see, it really doesn’t matter how brilliant or clever you think your visual aid may be because if it’s not helping your audience in any tangible way, then it’s just fluff – and believe me there’s enough fluff out there already. After you’ve contemplated your answers, consider that perhaps a story, quote, joke, or other type of VERBAL illustration would better serve to highlight your point and make it more memorable for everyone without shifting their attention away from you. Just sayin…

So let’s move on – let’s say you answered both questions in the affirmative. In that case I want you to ask this question next;

Is this the very best visual aid I can use?

Really dig in – is this the most defining image/graph? The clearest video or audio? Magic trick – whatever. The point is to ALWAYS offer your audience the best option – they deserve it.

Side Note: Personally I’m not a big fan of PowerPoint or any of it’s cousins. I’ve seen too many speakers rely on it to convey information and entertain their audience instead of using real skills and interaction to engage their listeners and empower them with new or better information. I’ve also seen some presentations where the speaker and the PPT operator never could seem to get on the same page. This is sad and funny at the same time and I assure you that people left those talks without any retention of the information presented whatsoever!

I love bottom line thinking so here’s a bottom line right in the middle of things… Remember that you are giving your talk to facilitate the transfer of some type of knowledge and it’s extremely important (to you) that your listeners retain that knowledge. Most of us will not have a team of media analysts and gurus to go over and debate the finer points with our audience after we’ve given a speech (lucky politicians). In fact most of the questions and/or debate (if there is any) that our talk generates will be directed back to us by our listeners. As such, it should be very high on our priority list that the participants leave with a clear understanding of what we said – otherwise, what was the point?

Here’s what I do –

I use handouts of important information AFTER the talk is given. I really would discourage using handouts before a speech because people will always be reading ahead or critiquing your grammar or looking for a pen to fill in the dumb blanks you left or using it to make a shopping list or whatever. The point is putting something in their hands ahead of time takes the focus away from you – bad move! I’ve also emailed the points and memorable quotes to audience members a couple of days afterward just to jar their memories and [very self serving here...] also to get my name and brand in front of them again while I’m still fresh on their minds.

I’m just offering the advice for free here so take it as you wish – skip the fancy aids cool videos and magic tricks and give them something firm to hold onto in addition to the amazing and astounding speech that they just listened to you deliver.

Happy talking until we meet again . . .

R.K. Richardson’s Top 10 Best Practices For Delivering A Speech #8 [aka Love the One You're With]

Best Practice #8 – Love the One You’re With

In 1970 singer, songwriter Stephen Stills released his first single from his solo album “Stephen Stills” entitled “Love the One You’re With,” a pop/rock song that basically tells the listener that if you can’t have the person you really love, then give your love fully to the one who you are currently with. This article is not intended to agree or disagree with his interpretation of relationship dynamics (or even the morality of it all) but I’m just borrowing the phrase to make a point – so don’t get lost in the debate .

If you’ve been delivering talks or speeches for any time at all, then you have run up against the dreaded “Where is my audience?” syndrome. Simply stated, perhaps in your mind as you were preparing for this talk, you imagined a room full of excited, eager-looking people waiting to hang on every inspired syllable that came pouring (or tripping) out of your mouth. In reality only a handful of people showed up and 2 of them were looking for the rest room. Ahhhh – the horrible “Where’s My Audience?” syndrome strikes again.

So the next [important] question is; How are you going to respond to (handle) this disappointment?

(1) This is obviously a personal slam against me as a speaker and a human being so I think I’ll just be pissed-off to everyone.

(2) It’s awesome that these people have taken time out of their busy lives to hear what I have to say. I’d better bring my A game!

So – be honest – which one are you?

Yes friend, I completely understand the whole disappointment thing. I also understand that you are supposed to be the professional and you’re supposed to act like a professional and you’re the only one in the world in charge of how you’re going to behave – so . . ..

Let me strongly encourage you to lean towards person #2 and “love the one you’re with!” I mean seriously? Why should the folks who showed up have to suffer through a half effort by you just because you’re unhappy?

Maybe they paid to get in or maybe you were paid to talk to them. Maybe it’s a free-for-all and you were counting [no pun here] on enormous book, CD, and poster sales. But it doesn’t matter because you see, this is where your integrity as a speaker and your authenticism [is that a real word?] as a human being come into play.

I’ve seen this happen in religious circles before. A meeting is planned at a church for a celebration or with some special significance. Ads are placed, speakers are flown in, hoteled and dined. Expenses go out and then . . . only the “faithful few” show up to the event. The preachers is mad. The pastor and staff are mad. The board is mad as is the treasurer. Everyone is mad at the turn out and pointing fingers of blame (on the inside of course) at everyone else’s inability to draw a crowd. Everyone, that is, except those few smiling faces sitting in the pews waiting to hear a voice from heaven.

What about them? Did they fail? Did they make a mistake by showing up?

Then why is it that the speaker unleashes the wrath of God from the pulpit on them? By the time he’s done everyone in the building is going to get saved again whether they need it or not.

My point is this -

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the church or the classroom or the board room. If you’ve been asked/hired to speak – then do it and do it to your very best no matter what. Always present your best, your A game, your strong suit, or whatever cliché you want to throw out. Just do it. Even one or two listening deserve to receive the best effort you can present. Trust me, it will make you a better speaker and you’ll have a humorous story to look back on at a later time.

Oh yeah – one more thing (while it’s crossing over from right to left brain) . . .

Don’t go to your next speaking engagement and beat up the previous audience. First of all, your present audience will never trust a word you say if you do. Can I share a bit of road experience with you? Audiences don’t really like to hear about other audiences while you’re talking to them. It’s kinda like going on a date with a new girl. The last thing she wants to do during dinner is hear about how bad your last girl was. Really? Yeah – really. Keep your focus and your conversation surrounding those wonderful people who are listening to your words right now.

In other words . . . love the one your with, baby!

R.K. Richardson’s Top 10 Best Practices For Delivering A Speech [#9]

Best Practice Number Nine – The Birds and the Bees For Public Presenters

So you’ve delivered that riveting speech, the crowds have cheered, grown men have shed tears, and you’re sure that you heard the flowers blooming outside. All is right with the world and you’re on top of it.

Now what?

How do you conclude after the conclusion?

I would suggest (if the situation allows) that you take time to mingle with your audience, interact with them and answer more questions. You see many speakers have the wrong attitude here. It’s not a nuisance to rehash your speech or answer the never-ending questions, some of them personal. You must understand that you have just imparted knowledge. Maybe in some way your presentation touched someone’s life or heart and you connected. This is a good thing – it’s what you want as a public speaker.

So take advantage of this rare but wonderful moment – your moment to shine – your fifteen minutes of fame in this room with this audience. They want to talk to you. They want to know more from you – this is awesome and a great time to make life long friends and peers. Network your little heart out! Pass out cards, sell your books and tapes (oh wait a minute . . . nobody has tapes anymore – oops – my bad) and/or CD’s and DVD’s.

Some will want to know more about your information or topic while others will be more interested in your background, education, and experience. So as an expert on your particular subject, you should SHARE yourself liberally as you’re surrounded by admirers and wannabe associates. Try to see and talk to as many people as you can because soon the room will start to empty and your moment will be over. I know – sad face – right?

Now is a good time for us to take a closer look at how being a good boyscout [girlscout] will help you through this entire scene (as in BEING PREPARED). I guess the best place to start is ahead of time, sometime after you’ve done your research (more later) and after you’ve compiled an idea of what you’re going to say, you should consider some of the questions that might be asked. What are your answers going to be? Are you ready and prepared to answer questions?

One more quick sidenote: Can you handle criticism? You should also be ready to answer or respond to those who feel they were appointed by God to criticize everything in the world that’s not original with them. Often they accompany their critical attitudes with a confrontational style and an abrupt approach that catches many speakers off guard and they wind up reacting in a way that, if they would have adequately prepared, they wouldn’t have. Don’t be caught in this situation. There’s nothing to be nervous about. Understand that not everyone in the room will bow down before you as the topic god and believe every word you say – even if every word you say is truth. Just be ready for them and be ready to give a KIND RESPONSE!! One of the quickest ways to damage your public speaking reputation is to lose your cool in the midst of a debate.

Now let me rescue you before you drift down too low and decide you’re not up to the task of presentation.

On the flip side of the coin there will be a room full of people (if you did a good job) eager to pat you on the back for your mastery of the topic, your memorable and emotional delivery, or just because your tie matches your socks. Be sure to invite your grandma so at least one person will tell you good job even if you bombed! But before your head begins to swell so big that it bursts and your amazingly intelligent brains splatter all over the room (I’ve been thinking this blog needs some blood and guts action), remember that compliments are like perfume – it may smell good but you don’t want to drink it. Seriously folks, take those compliments with a grain of salt. Be thankful they come, but don’t lose yourself in the part. I promise, you will lay an egg sooner or later if you do this speaking thing very much and then you’ll have a “hard crash” back to the reality zone. What I want you to remember here is simple – be prepared to respond to the good comments and the bad. Know how you’re going to say thank you (which is a really good phrase to use – duh) or I appreciate your observation. The Bible says, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man.” Pretty solid advice.

Okay – it’s time for me to be serious for a bit. What I’m going too say should be listened to and followed by men and women alike.

On occasion you might deliver a particularly powerful talk on a sensitive subject that might cause you to make an emotional connection with your listeners. Just be cautious and keep your eyes open. You should always conduct yourself as a professional and that includes keeping a professional distance from an audience member who may seek an attachment because your words moved them in a heart-touching way. Remember, part of your presentation is integrity so you want to be sure not to do or say anything (not even in a whisper) that would violate the trust of a single audience member.

Don’t misunderstand what I’m trying to get across – this isn’t my first rodeo and I completely understand that one of the most important things for a speaker to do is engage their audience in a personal way. But that can be accomplished while still maintaining a professional attitude and demeanor. Let me illustrate in a real world kind of way: Let’s say you’re the type of person that likes to tell (what I call) inappropriate jokes. Hey that’s cool if that’s your thing but save them for the pub down the street. Don’t do it with audience members after you’ve spoken – even if they’re good friends of yours.

Continuing along this same thought, if you’re a single (or married for that matter) person don’t use this spotlight with these people to flirt and say things with innuendo. Keep a “great gulf” between your personal love life and your professional speaking life. Don’t use your speaking engagement as an opportunity to troll for your next date. Seriously – I’m embarrassed I have to say it but someone in the class will try it – ya know?? If you’ll follow this simple but important advice you will thank me some day (did I just sound like a dad?) Summed up it sounds like this – act like a professional, talk like a professional, be a professional. Yep – that’ll do.

And so ends our first little talk on the birds and the bees of public speaking. Now go behave, be cool, and be friendly with your audience after your through speaking.

Until next time . . . peace.

R.K. Richardson’s Top 10 Best Practices For Delivering A Speech [#10]

Best Practice Number Ten – Be Real and Keep It Real

One thing that really stands out to me when many people get up in front of others to give a talk is that they flip some kind of “magic light switch” and all of a sudden become someone totally different than who they really are.

Don’t do this! Instead be yourself.

I know this may sound a little simplistic but you HAVE TO be honest with your audience and that honesty starts with who you are. I have a favorite quote from a little guy who smokes a pipe and has a tattoo of an anchor in his arm. Popeye the Sailor Man says, “I yam who I yam.” I love that. It should be the first thing you think of before you take the platform or podium. You are there for a reason. You are giving the speech for a reason – no one else. Emphasize your expertise by confidently proclaiming your message.

When I was in college I met a girl who was very pretty. In fact she was outright beautiful. I got to know her by talking with her often and we developed a good relationship. One night we had a vicious thunderstorm come close and we were all awakened by the tornado sirens going off. This meant an immediate evacuation to the safety of the basement. When I arrived downstairs I began to look for my friend knowing she would be upset by everything and would need a friend. I looked and looked for her but I couldn’t find her. This other girl (who I did not know) came up to me and started talking to me like we were BFF’s. After a few seconds I realized this was my friend, the girl I was looking for, that was standing right in front of me talking to me. Wow – that blew my mind. Here was that drop-dead gorgeous girl barely recognizable right in front of me and you know why I didn’t know who she was? It was the first time I ever saw her without any make-up on. Yeah, that’s right. What a dramatic (and I mean DRAMATIC) change there was in that pretty girl when she didn’t have her make-up on.

I realize that’s a crude illustration but you get my point. You want people to know you – not listen to some person who they don’t know. Be yourself. Be human. Connect. Be funny, sad, engaging, energetic, and above all else – YOURSELF.

Now that we’ve established being real, let’s talk about keeping it real.

You have a message to deliver, a lesson to teach, or whatever your reason is for standing there doing the talking. Stay focused on your topic and be genuine in the information you’re passing on. Don’t blow-up statistics just to get an “oooh” or an “ahhh.” Don’t make up stories to use as illustrations but rather draw from your own life experiences. If you don’t have a good illustration to use then ask someone to tell you a relevant story about something that happened to them and then say that in your speech by giving them the credit.

Just like innocent children can see through a facade, your audience will be able to tell when you’re just “blowing hot air” and when you’re being genuine. Always opt for the truth. Be honest and forthright. Be a speaker with integrity and be trustworthy. Your audience will love you and you’ll have a great reputation as an honest person who can be trusted to give out reliable and accurate information.

So the next time you are asked to give a speech, remember to BE REAL and KEEP IT REAL.

More later . . .

I’d rather be hit by a fast-moving bus . . .

What some people wouldn’t do to get out of speaking in front of others, be it a class, a congregation, the boardroom, or a group of people gathered on the City Hall steps. I always get a chuckle (I can’t believe I’m so old I used that word for real) when I hear the old statistic that says that death takes a number 2 spot to public speaking when it comes to the things people fear the most.

Who are these people that answered that question? Really? Fear talking in front of a group more than death? They must have never experienced either one.

No seriously.

Unless there’s some kind of a mental challenge involved, anyone can speak, and speak well, in front of an audience. There are just a few simple things to keep in mind. That’s why I’m working on my “Top 10 Best Practices For Delivering A Speech.”

And I just heard a guy in the back say, “So what makes you an expert on the subject?”

“Well sir, I’m glad you asked!”

To all in the audience:

I’ve been doing this stand-up-in-front-of-people-and-do-something nearly all of my life – literally.

In more recent years, I’ve given hundreds of talks to thousands of people about hundreds of different things. I’ve done this with my eyes open so (thank God) I was able to learn a thing or two in the process. My style is informal and that’s what I’m going to write about. (People in tuxedos make me nervous – lol) I love engaging and involving my audiences from my very first word to them. I really despise the allotted “question and answer period” at the end of a talk. Rather, I want those relevant and exciting questions asked as the audience and I travel along the journey of my speech together.

I’ve heard over and over from people through the years how much they enjoyed my talk, or how much they learned, or how excited they stayed throughout. Well friend, it didn’t happen accidentally. It took practice and years of failures and success (and FYI I can still lay an egg with the best of them). If I can save you some time and disappointment, then once again, I’ve done something good!

There’s so much more and I’m very excited to finally be putting some of this stuff I’ve learned over the years out there. Not that there isn’t a lot of good advice to be found, mind you. It’s just that many of the “Top 10 Lists” for this subject seem so stuffy and some even just regurgitate information that’s been available for a thousand years.

I hope that my little mini-series will be fresh and help some folks get past their fear of speaking in front of people and they’ll turn into the oh-my-goodness-will-he-NEVER-shut-up speaker that will make me proud. Even if you think you’ll never say a word in front of more than 2 people in your whole life, go ahead and read along and share it with a friend or two that might have an occasion to use the advice.

See, you don’t have to jump in front of a fast-moving bus to get out of a speaking engagement/opportunity, you just need some seasoned, easy-to-follow advice from someone who’s been there – done that.

Stay tuned . . .